Crown-Ground RF Connector for PCB Misalignment and Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-to-board RF connectors face issues with fragility, limited misalignment tolerance, high production costs, and inefficient installation, which hinder their use in modern wireless communication systems requiring smaller, cheaper, and more modular connections with improved RF performance.
Innovation Solution
A unitary RF connector design featuring a rigid electrical insulating body with flexible conductive strips and ground contacts arranged in a crown configuration, providing enhanced misalignment tolerance, reduced signal leaks, and improved shielding, while minimizing the number of components and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional elastic means (petals and slots) are used in connector couplings, then the connector can accommodate misalignment, but the elastic means become fragile and prone to damage during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic means directly into the coupling body as an integrated structure rather than separate petals and slots. The coupling includes a body with a cavity and an elastic means formed as a continuous piece that provides resilience while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the fragility of traditional separate elastic components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid coupling body with an integrated elastic means made of resilient material. This composite design allows the coupling to provide both mechanical strength and elastic compliance, accommodating misalignment while resisting damage during installation
2Reliability
If noble elastic metallic materials are used for the connection coupling, then the connector achieves good elastic properties, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using base metals or metal alloys with adequate elastic properties instead of expensive noble metals. The design optimizes the geometric parameters of the elastic means to compensate for any slight differences in material properties, achieving the required performance at lower cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a design philosophy of using cost-effective materials for the coupling, accepting that the coupling may be a disposable or replaceable component. This approach prioritizes overall system cost reduction over using expensive noble materials, especially when the coupling can be easily replaced if needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling is rotated in the groove of the snap-fitting socket to achieve radial misalignment, then the connector adapts to misaligned boards, but the tilting angle during installation increases beyond 4° causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elastic compliance into the coupling structure, allowing it to flex and adapt during insertion rather than requiring rigid rotation. The elastic means enable the coupling to dynamically adjust to misalignment through elastic deformation, reducing the tilting angle and preventing damage during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates elastic means in advance within the coupling structure to cushion and absorb the shock of misalignment during insertion. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive tilting angles and potential damage by providing a compliant interface that accommodates radial misalignment safely
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for board-to-board connection, then the connector achieves functional requirements, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated coupling structure. The coupling body, elastic means, and contact elements are combined into one piece or pre-assembled unit, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary connection functions for board-to-board interfacing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The unitary RF connector achieves better RF signal isolation, increased misalignment tolerance, and reduced production costs, enabling efficient installation and maintenance with improved RF performance up to 15 GHz, suitable for high-density board-to-board connections.
Implementation Method 1
a first tab at a free end of the conductive strip being configured as a spring able to flex toward one of the end face of the insulating body taking any closer position when acted upon by a pressure force of a PCB
Implementation Method 2
each second conductive tab being configured as a spring able to flex toward the conductive body taking any closer position when acted upon by the pressure force of a PCB
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a unitary RF connector (1), intended for example to link two printed circuit boards (PCB1, PCB2), the unitary RF connector extending along a longitudinal axis (X), the connector being a unique piece with an electrically insulating block which serves as a rigid support for both flexible conductive elements whose central portions are rigidly respectively held therein for the central contact and on the outer wall of the block for the ground contact, and with an arrangement as crown for the plurality of free ends of the ground contact.